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Christmas Party at the Gabriel House
I love the Christmas season, because as we reflect on the wonderful and special gift that God gave us, “His only begotten son”, it encourages me to find ways to give “special gifts” to others. Not just tangible gifts, but ways to bring joy and love to others. We are grateful to God, that He allowed us to do just that on this great trip.
As plans began to change for the weekend of Dec. 11-13, due to the rain and mudslides in the community we were to have our medical outreach/health fair, I knew that two things would for sure happen-God would direct our steps with His plans and no matter what, we would decorate cookies at the Gabriel House. It has become a tradition, that every year we bake over 100 cookies to bring with us, so that every child can decorate and eat a cookie. (We bring extras for the staff too). The children talk about it all year and look forward to it. The team from my church-Reality Carpinteria had hoped to participate on Friday and Saturday at the TJ Brigada (medical outreach), then head to Ensenada for a Christmas party at the Gabriel House on Sunday. Once we heard that the outreach was cancelled, the team quickly adjusted and decided to spend 3 days, instead of one, at the GH. Oh what fun we had! Along with the much anticipated cookie decorating, (can you say-“frosting everywhere!) we also put up the Christmas tree, took pictures of every child, to make ornaments with, we did a drama about Jesus’ birth, sang songs, hugged lots of children and laughed a lot. It was wonderful to have the extra time with the staff too. They loved the gift bags that the team brought and appreciated their thoughtfulness.
An added bonus was the time that some of the team members were able to focus on working on the boy’s new dormitory. More framing was done on one section and tile work and a mural was done on the almost completed section. The “Design Team” decided on “the fruits of the spirit” for their mural theme. It turned out beautiful. The boys hope to move in soon.
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
By Jan Crews
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